The general consensus seems to be that the Maroons will run riot over the Blues this year, courtesy of their all star back line. For mine, they’re far more likely to run riot over the Blues due to their frontrow providing better go forward.

But that’s not to say that tonight’s match, or the series for that matter, is a foregone conclusion.

There are plenty of big match ups all over the park, least of all up front, where the Blues pack could well spring a surprise or two.

The Fullbacks
Choosing Gidley as captain is a big call by the NSW selectors.

Is it asking too much of man who hasn’t been a guaranteed starter to lead the side in addition to providing the spark in attack? If Gidley can replicate his club form of late, the Blues will be in with a shot. Otherwise Slater’s free reign in and around the middle of the park will give Queensland the edge.

The Three-Quarters
Jennings obviously has the potential to cause the Maroons headaches with the ball in hand, but there are still questions over his defence, despite some strong tackling displays in recent rounds.

His direct opposite, Hodges, has made it clear he thinks there’s a weakness there, and if he and Folau get enough ball, the chances of him being right are high.

On the other side of the field, the Blues might have a little more luck in attack than they’re expecting.

Lyon’s return to the representative fold, whether he likes it or not, is a good thing for NSW. His experience and composure should ensure that debutant McManus settles quickly, while his attacking skills will keep Inglis and Boyd honest, at the very least.

The Halves
The Maroons hands down have the edge in the halves. Wallace and especially Campese will have to be on the very top of their games if the Blues are going to win. Lockyer and Thurston on the other hand can afford to underplay their hands to ensure a Queensland win. In fact, they often do.

The Hookers
Buderus was a great servant for the Blues over the years, but his lack of inventiveness from dummy half in recent series’ cost his side as they became predictable and were outpointed easily by the Maroons in this department.

Farah’s style of play is very similar to that of Smith’s, so both sides will be kept on their toes in defence with runners coming from a range of different, subtle angles. They’re retty evenly matched, but if one player’s kicking game is more on the money, it could decide the game.

The Packs
Both strong packs in their own right, but with different strengths. Queensland have the experience and the ball carrying yards in Price and Civoniceva, with more than able back up in Myles and Hannant.

The Blues frontrow is a little less intimidating in Kite and Bailey, being supported by Weyman and Poore. But their likely starting back row is a far more dynamic proposition.

Creagh, O’Donnell and Laffranchi are a much more mobile and powerful combination than that of Harrison, Thaiday and Johnson. And if the pace of the game stays high, they could get the Blues on top towards the end of each half. .

The Bench
Depending on which way you look at Lewis, NSW either have two utilities on the bench, or another backrower to call on. The selectors obviously think he’s a backrower, so we can expect that he’ll give the backrowers a quick rest while Wing will give Farah a break at dummy half.

How long he stays on the park will depend on how effective he can be.

Only time will tell if another out and out backrower on the bench would have been a wiser choice.

Speaking of which, Crocker coming off the bench for the Maroons will be inspirational, to say the least. In fact, the only way it won’t be is if he starts the match in a late switch.

Hunt can’t be looking at too many minutes tomorrow night unless he makes a noticeable impact or the Maroons are chasing the game.

It’s going to be a lot closer than what many are predicting, but the Maroons should just hold off a fast finishing Blues in a tight one.

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